There is “no doubt” batting dynamo Jake Fraser-McGurk could fit not just in the Australia squad but the batting line-up for this year’s T20 World Cup, according to trophy-winning former captain Aaron Finch.

Finch retired from international cricket not long after leading Australia to T20 World Cup victory in 2021 having also been a long-term skipper of the ODI side.

He’s been excited by the introduction of new players during the series against the West Indies, including Fraser-McGurk, who set the Big Bash alight and is also the world record holder for the fastest 100 in 50-over cricket that he set playing for South Australia last October with a 29-ball ton.

Fraser-McGurk made just 10 in his maiden international innings, but the 21-year-old achieved those runs with a four followed by a towering six in the opening over from West Indies quick Alzare Joseph, having been asked to open the innings for his country.

While veteran opener David Warner and Travis Head loom as the likely one-two opening punch for Australia at the World Cup, being played across the West Indies and US, Finch said Fraser-McGurk, 21, would be in the selection discussion for the middle order.

“I think he’d be right around the mark for selection,” said Finch, who has played with Fraser-McGurk for the past four seasons at the Melbourne Renegades.

“Combine him with Matty Short, he’s also had a few different roles, and Aaron Hardie is a really flexible player as well.

“So I think there’s plenty to choose from there and I think he’ll be in the mix no doubt.”

Fraser-McGurk had a short but entertaining five-ball stay at the SCG on Sunday might, having tried to swat the first ball to the boundary before succeeding with balls three and four.

Finch, who was renowned for taking on the bowlers from ball one as well, said that fearless batting would be a strength of not just Fraser-McGurk but the entire batting unit.

“I think you have to play to your strengths. And I think judging by the last couple of ODIs, they’ve made a really conscious effort to go really hard in that initial power play, so I don’t see why he’s not the right one,” he said.

“He’s got all the talent. We saw him play some innings in the Big Bash and domestic cricket he’s taken it on from ball one again.”

There have been four debutants already through two matches of the ODI series, due to injuries and absences, and Ben McDermott will be the 14th player to play in the series for Australia in the third and final game after an injury to Short.

Finch, while supportive of exposure for players, said “balance” was important to ensure the team’s major goals remained in focus.

“I think it’s the right thing to do is go and get as much experience into as many plays as you can so that when the next World Cup comes around, you’re not scrambling to try and get experience straightaway,” he said.

“I think it’s all about who can help the cause but I think at the same time there’s a T20 World Cup coming up too, so you’ve still got to be looking to get guys as much experience as you possibly can so you’ve got a bigger pool to pick from.

“You’ve also got guys who have had an incredibly high workload over the last seven or eight months, so you’ve got to find the balance. But I think it’s the right thing to do and I don’t see an issue with having a bit more turnover than normal.”